The Athletic just dropped its early 2026 MLB Power Rankings, giving baseball fans a first shot at sizing up all 30 teams before the offseason really gets rolling. The rankings come right after a wild World Series and the start of free agency, so there’s plenty to chew on about who might run the table next season—or who’s staring down tough roster calls.
The Milwaukee Brewers sit at the very top. They grabbed MLB’s best record in 2025. The Dodgers and Phillies aren’t far behind, but both have their own set of offseason headaches and hopes.
Milwaukee Brewers Take the Top Spot
The Milwaukee Brewers look like the early favorite after a strong 97–65 season. Their pitching and steady offense got them here, and now the offseason turns to sorting out a few roster questions, mainly about Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff.
The Brewers’ core stays mostly untouched, so Milwaukee seems set to ride this wave into 2026. There’s something to be said for stability, right?
Key Factors Behind Milwaukee’s Success
Elite starting pitching, tough defense, and a lineup that just wouldn’t quit fueled the Brewers’ run. They bring back most of their starters and keep the roster pretty stable, which gives them a real advantage heading into spring.
- Best 2025 record in MLB: 97–65
- Minimal offseason roster turnover
- Rotation led by Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff
Dodgers Look for a Three-Peat
The Los Angeles Dodgers are still riding the high from back-to-back championships. They’ve got a killer rotation and Shohei Ohtani powering the offense, so a three-peat isn’t out of the question in 2026.
But here’s the catch—the bullpen needs a serious overhaul if they want to keep up with their starters. That’s a big “if.”
Shohei Ohtani’s Impact
Ohtani has completely changed the Dodgers’ identity. His skills as both a hitter and pitcher give LA a kind of flexibility most teams can only dream about.
Still, it all depends on how the front office handles the bullpen during free agency. They can’t afford to let that slide.
Phillies on the Verge of Change
The Philadelphia Phillies come in at No. 2, but they’re staring down a lot of offseason uncertainty. Free agency could pull away key guys like Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Ranger Suárez, which leaves some big shoes to fill.
Offseason Priorities for Philadelphia
The front office has to choose: bring back the core, or go younger and hope for the best? Losing veteran leaders could really shake up their World Series hopes.
- Significant roster attrition expected
- Key veterans potentially leaving
- Opportunities for top prospects to step up
Toronto Rebuilds Around Stars
The Toronto Blue Jays jumped to No. 4, thanks to big years from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Still, they’ve got holes at shortstop and in the rotation that need fixing if they want to stay in the playoff mix.
Health and Depth Concerns
Toronto’s next steps depend on finding reliable pitching and a real answer at shortstop. Injuries hurt them before, so keeping the roster healthy is a must.
Other Contenders and Rebuilders
Outside the top five, teams like the Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees want in on the playoff chase. The Mariners need their rotation to stay healthy and hope Julio Rodríguez keeps it going. The Cubs are counting on younger players to fill the gap after losing Kyle Tucker.
The Yankees? They’re dealing with more bullpen problems and outfield holes after another letdown in October. It’s not getting easier in the Bronx.
Teams in Transition
Franchises like the Astros, Padres, Mets, and Braves face pivotal offseasons. These teams might reshape their rosters in ways that totally change their long-term outlooks.
The Royals, Tigers, and Reds are deep in rebuild mode. They’re zeroed in on boosting offense and adding pitching depth, hoping to get closer to contending by 2026.
Early 2026 MLB Power Rankings show off the current pecking order. They also hint at just how wildly things can swing from one season to the next.
Free agency is in full swing, and the next few months feel especially important. Will these projections stick, or is some surprise team about to shake everything up?
Here is the source article for this story: The Way-Too-Early 2026 MLB Power Rankings: Where each team sits entering the offseason
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